JP2005180381A - Device and method for controlling start of engine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce cost by simplifying a device configuration by using elements of proper rating by properly controlling power supply to a starter motor in a troubled state in an engine start control device. <P>SOLUTION: In this engine start control device 200, an engine state detection part 143 detects from the output signals of a crank angle sensor 141 whether an engine 200 transfers into a cranking state or not. If the engine does not transfer into the cranking state despite the fact that the power supply to the starter motor is started, the micro computer 126 of an information providing system 1123 detects it and determines that any trouble occurs in a starter 135, and controls a load switching part 128 to stop the power supply from a battery 132 to the starter 135. Even if the starter is troubled, a state in which current flows continuously for a long period can be avoided, and the maximum rated current which may flow in electronic elements can be reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine start control device and an engine start control method for starting an engine of a vehicle or the like, and in particular, by appropriately controlling power supply to a starter motor in a failure state, an element having an appropriate capacity and rating is used. The present invention relates to an engine start control device and an engine start control method capable of simplifying the device configuration.

  In recent years, in vehicles such as automobiles, improvement in operability is required in addition to improvement in basic performance and safety. An example of a function that improves operability is a smart ignition function.

  The smart ignition function is a function that allows the driver to start the engine without using a mechanical key. Although the driver owns the key, this key is a device that communicates wirelessly with the device mounted on the vehicle, and by transmitting and collating, for example, ID etc. between this key and the in-vehicle device, Check if the key is correct. Then, the engine is started when a driver holding an appropriate key operates an operation unit such as a switch provided in the vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a starter for starting an engine that is generally used, first, two coils of a pull-in coil and a holding coil are energized before the starter motor starts rotating. When a current flows through the pull-in coil, the magnet switch is turned on, and the battery and the starter motor are directly connected. In addition, the pinion is moved, the pinion gear of the starter motor and the ring gear of the engine flywheel are engaged, and the rotation of the starter motor is transmitted to the engine.

  In this state, the starter motor is rotated by a large current directly supplied from the battery, and the engine is also started to rotate.

  The low-speed rotation state immediately after the engine starts rotating is referred to as a cranking state, and the cranking state needs to be maintained as long as possible in order to start the engine reliably.

  In order to realize the smart ignition function, it is necessary to use an electronic element such as a relay or a semiconductor switch to switch between energization between the battery and various power loads, which is conventionally performed by a driver by rotating a mechanical key. That is, it is necessary to connect and disconnect the battery from an accessory (ACC) load, an ignition (IGN) load, a starter motor, and the like with an electronic element.

  When switching loads with an electronic element, it is important to appropriately control the switching timing. In particular, when the engine is started by driving the starter as described above, if the starter motor is driven for a short period, the engine start-up performance is deteriorated, and if the drive period is long, the starter motor is overloaded. there is a possibility. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately control the period for driving the starter motor.

Therefore, conventionally, various proposals have been made so that power is supplied to the starter motor for an appropriate period. For example, a method of detecting the ease of starting the engine from the number of operations and controlling the switching timing of the power source (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the driver's intention based on the operation state of the driver's operation unit A method of estimating and switching the power source (for example, see Patent Document 2) has been proposed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-221131 JP 2002-221132 A

  However, in a device equipped with a smart ignition function, when an electronic element fails, there is a possibility that control of power supply to the load is not properly performed.

  For example, in a starter configured as described above, for example, when a contact failure of a magnet switch occurs, the battery and the motor cannot be directly connected, and the state where the power from the battery is supplied to the pre-in coil and the holding coil continues for a long time. become.

  In order to cope with such a failure, an electronic element having a large rated current that allows a large current to flow for a certain period must be used as an electronic element used in the starter and its peripheral circuit. However, such a configuration causes a problem that the cost increases and the device configuration becomes large.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately control power supply to a starter motor in a failure state, thereby using a device having an appropriate capacity and rating. It is an object to provide an engine start control device and an engine start control method that can simplify the process and reduce the cost.

  In order to solve the above problems, an engine start control device according to the present invention includes a switch for turning on / off power supply to an engine starter motor, a crank angle sensor for detecting a crank angle of the engine, and the crank An engine state detecting means for detecting whether or not the engine is in a cranking state based on a detection result of the crank angle in an angle sensor, and the switch for starting the supply of electric power to the starter motor when requested And starting the supply of power to the starter motor based on the detection result of the engine state in the engine state detection means, and when the engine does not shift to the cranking state within a predetermined time, Control the switch to stop power supply to the sooter motor. And a switch control means.

  In the engine start control device having such a configuration, the engine start state after power supply to the starter motor is detected from the output of the crank angle sensor, and the engine state detection means determines whether the engine has shifted to the cranking state. Whether or not is detected. If it has shifted to the cranking state, it is considered that the starter motor is driven appropriately, and it can be determined that a failure such as a contact failure of the starter magnet switch has not occurred. On the other hand, if the engine does not shift to the cranking state even though the power supply to the starter motor is started, it is determined that some trouble has occurred in the starter, and the switch control means controls the switch to start the starter motor. Stop power supply to Therefore, it is possible to avoid a state in which a current continues to flow for a long time when there is a failure in the starter, and it is possible to reduce the maximum rated current that may flow through the electronic element.

  The engine starting method according to the present invention starts supplying power to the starter motor of the engine, detects the crank angle of the engine, and determines whether the engine is in a cranking state based on the detected crank angle. If the engine does not shift to the cranking state within a predetermined time after detecting whether or not the starter motor is supplied with power, the power supply to the soot motor is stopped.

  According to the present invention, by appropriately controlling power supply to a starter motor in a failure state, an engine having a proper capacity and rating can be used to simplify the device configuration and reduce the cost. An apparatus and an engine start control method can be provided.

First Embodiment An engine start control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the engine start control device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the engine start control device 100 of the present embodiment includes a portable device 110 and a vehicle side device 120.

  The portable device 110 is a small device that is held by a driver such as an automobile owner and has a key function that enables the automobile to be driven. Information (ID information) for specifying the portable device is set in advance in the portable device 110, and is transmitted to the vehicle-side device 120 by performing wireless communication with the vehicle-side device 120. The transmitted ID information is checked in the vehicle-side device 120 to determine whether the portable device 110 is an appropriate key for the vehicle, that is, whether the owner of the portable device 110 is an appropriate user of the vehicle. Is done.

  The vehicle-side device 120 communicates with the mobile device 110 to acquire ID information set in the mobile device 110 and determines whether or not the driver is an appropriate driver. Further, the engine start is controlled based on an instruction from the driver via a switch (push switch 127), which will be described later, provided in the driver's seat of the automobile.

  Hereinafter, detailed configurations of the mobile device 110 and the vehicle-side device 120 will be described.

  The portable device 110 includes a reception antenna 111, a reception circuit 112, a microcomputer 113, a transmission circuit 114, and a transmission antenna 115.

  The receiving antenna 111 receives a signal such as an ID request transmitted from the vehicle side device 120.

  The receiving circuit 112 performs processing such as demodulation and decoding on the signal received by the receiving antenna 111, and outputs the generated signal to the microcomputer 113.

  The microcomputer 113 performs predetermined processing on the signal input from the receiving circuit 112, generates reply data as necessary, and outputs it to the transmitting circuit 114. For example, when an ID request signal is transmitted from the vehicle-side device 120 and is input to the microcomputer 113 via the receiving antenna 111 and the receiving circuit 112, the microcomputer 113 reads the ID information of the portable device 110 stored in advance. Then, the data is output to the transmission circuit 114 to be returned to the vehicle side device 120. At this time, the microcomputer 113 performs processing such as encryption as necessary.

  The ID information is set in advance in a memory in the microcomputer 113 (not shown), for example.

  In addition, when the signal such as the ID request signal transmitted from the vehicle-side device 120 is a signal subjected to the encryption process, the microcomputer 113 first decrypts the signal and then responds to the signal. Perform predetermined processing.

  The transmission circuit 114 performs processing such as transmission path encoding and modulation on the reply data such as ID information input from the microcomputer 113 to convert it into a transmittable signal and transmit it to the vehicle-side device 120. Output to the transmission antenna 115.

  The transmission antenna 115 transmits the signal input from the transmission circuit 114 to the vehicle side device 120.

  The vehicle-side device 120 includes a transmission antenna 121, a reception antenna 122, a power position control unit 123, a push switch 127, a load switching unit 128, a battery 132, an ACC position load 133, an IGN position load 134, a starter 135, a crank angle sensor 141, An alternator 142 and an engine state detection unit 143 are included.

  The power supply position control unit 123 includes a transmission circuit 124, a reception circuit 125, and a microcomputer 126. The starter 135 includes a magnet switch 136, a pull-in coil 137, a holding coil 138, and a motor 139.

  Note that an engine whose start is controlled by the engine start control device 100 is shown as an engine 200 in FIG.

  The transmission antenna 121 transmits a signal such as an ID request signal applied from the transmission circuit 124 of the power supply position control unit 123 to the portable device 110.

  The reception antenna 122 receives a signal including, for example, ID information transmitted from the portable device 110 and outputs the signal to the reception circuit 125 of the power supply position control unit 123.

  The power supply position control unit 123 controls the load switching unit 128 based on the driver's operation of the push switch 127, the immediately preceding power supply position, the state of the engine 200 detected by the engine state detection unit 143, and the like.

  Further, the power supply position control unit 123 communicates with the portable device 110 to obtain ID information from the portable device 110, and determines whether the portable device 110 is an appropriate portable device corresponding to the vehicle-side device 120, that is, It is detected whether or not the driver to be held is an appropriate driver.

  The transmission circuit 124 converts, for example, an ID request signal input from the microcomputer 126 into a signal that can be transmitted by performing processing such as predetermined transmission path encoding and modulation, and transmits the signal to the portable device 110 for transmission. Output to the antenna 121.

  The receiving circuit 125 performs processing such as demodulation and decoding on a reply signal including ID information from the mobile device 110 received by the receiving antenna 122 and outputs the generated signal to the microcomputer 126.

  The microcomputer 126 controls the load switching unit 128 and changes the power position based on the operation of the push switch 127, the immediately preceding power position, the state of the engine 200 detected by the engine state detecting unit 143, and the like. At that time, ID information is acquired from the portable device 110 as necessary.

  The power supply position is a connection state between the battery 132 and the load.

  FIG. 2 shows the types of power supply positions, the load connection state of each position (the on / off switching state of the internal elements of the load switching unit 128), and the position transition state.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply position includes an off position where no load is connected to the battery 132, an ACC position where accessories (ACC) are connected to the battery 132, and accessories (ACC ) And an ignition system (IGN) connected to each other, and a starter position in which the ignition system (IGN) and the starter 135 are connected to the battery 132.

  Then, starting from the OFF position where the car is not used at all, in principle, every time the push switch 127 is pressed, the ACC position, the IGN position, the starter position, the IGN position, the ACC position, and the OFF position are shifted. .

  At that time, when shifting from the OFF position to the ACC position, in order to detect whether or not the vehicle is being used by an appropriate driver, the ID information of the portable device 110 is acquired and the ID corresponding to the vehicle side device 120 is acquired. Check whether or not.

  Further, the transition from the starter position to the IGN position is performed based on the operating state of the engine 200, regardless of pressing of the push switch 127.

  More specifically, when the driver depresses the push switch 127 in a state where the engine 200 is stopped and no accessories are energized (OFF position state), the microcomputer 126 causes the driver to perform an appropriate operation. In order to detect whether or not the mobile device 110 held by the driver is a mobile device corresponding to the vehicle-side device 120, an ID request signal is output to the mobile device 110. Specifically, encryption processing or the like is performed as necessary to generate an ID request signal and output it to the transmission circuit 124.

  When ID information is returned from the portable device 110 in response to the output ID request signal, the microcomputer 126 receives the ID information via the receiving antenna 122 and the receiving circuit 125 in the power supply position control unit 123, and if necessary. Decryption processing or the like is performed to obtain the ID information of the mobile device 110. Then, the acquired ID information is checked against previously stored ID information, and whether or not the driver is an appropriate driver, that is, whether or not the mobile device 110 is an appropriate mobile device corresponding to the vehicle-side device 120. Is determined.

  The ID information to be collated is stored in advance in a memory or the like in the microcomputer 126 (not shown), for example.

  If it is determined that the driver is not an appropriate driver as a result of the collation of the ID information, the microcomputer 126 does not perform the process related to the control of the power position, and maintains the power position in the OFF position. That is, the driver is kept in a state where the driver cannot drive the car, start the engine, or use accessories.

  In this state, every time the push switch 127 is continuously operated, the above-described process of detecting whether or not the driver is appropriate, that is, the process of generating an ID request signal and sending it to the portable device 110 is performed.

  If the driver is determined to be an appropriate driver as a result of collation of the ID information, the microcomputer 126 outputs a switching signal to the load switching unit 128 so as to change the power supply position from the OFF position to the ACC position.

  When the push switch 127 is subsequently pressed after the power supply position is shifted from the OFF position to the ACC position, the microcomputer 126 sends a switching signal to the load switching unit 128 so as to change the power supply position from the ACC position to the IGN position. Output. Based on this signal, the load switching unit 128 switches the energized state, whereby the IGN position load 134 is energized and the engine is ready to be started.

  When the push switch 127 is further pressed after the power supply position is shifted from the ACC position to the IGN position, the microcomputer 126 outputs a switching signal to the load switching unit 128 so as to change the power supply position from the IGN position to the starter position. To do. Then, when the battery 132 and the starter 135 are connected in the load switching unit 128, the engine 200 is started.

  The transition from the starter position to the IGN position is performed based on a signal indicating the state of the engine 200 input from an engine state detection unit 143 described later, regardless of the operation of the push switch 127. Although details will be described later, the engine state detection unit 143 indicates that when the engine 200 is normally started, a signal indicating that the engine 200 is in a cranking state and that the engine 200 has rotated normally. Signals are input in order. When the signal indicating that the engine 200 has rotated normally is input from the engine state detection unit 143, the microcomputer 126 outputs a switching signal to the load switching unit 128 so as to change the power supply position from the starter position to the IGN position. . Thereby, the connection between the battery 132 and the starter 135 is disconnected.

  When the push switch 127 is pressed when the engine 200 is started and the power supply position is at the IGN position, the microcomputer 126 outputs a switching signal to the load switching unit 128 so as to change the power supply position from the IGN position to the ACC position. To do. Based on this signal, the load switching unit 128 switches the energized state, whereby the energization to the IGN position load 134 is completed and the rotation of the engine 200 is stopped.

  When the push switch 127 is further pressed after the power supply position is shifted from the IGN position to the ACC position, the microcomputer 126 switches to the load switching unit 128 so as to change the power supply position from the ACC position to the OFF position. Output a signal. Based on this signal, the load switching unit 128 switches the energized state, so that power supply to substantially all the components of the vehicle is stopped and the use of the vehicle is terminated.

  When the engine 200 is normally started, the microcomputer 126 switches the power supply position in this way.

  On the other hand, when the power supply position is in the starter position, that is, when the engine 200 is not started normally with the engine 200 being started, the microcomputer 126 performs the following processing.

  When the microcomputer 126 does not receive a signal indicating that the engine 200 is in the cranking state from the engine state detection unit 143, the microcomputer 126 waits for a predetermined time and detects this state (a state in which the engine 200 is not in the cranking state). . For example, when the magnet switch 136 of the starter 135 is abnormal, the motor 139 is not driven and such a state occurs.

  When such a state is detected, the microcomputer 126 turns off at least the energization of the starter 135 to the load switching unit 128, that is, turns off the starter switch element 131 shown in FIG. Output a control signal. In the present embodiment, the starter switch element 131 is turned off and the ACC switch element 129 is turned on to shift the power supply position to the IGN position.

  Thereby, the energization from the battery 132 to the starter 135 is interrupted, and it is possible to prevent a state where power is wasted by continuously energizing the starter 135 that is considered to have an abnormality.

  In addition, if the signal indicating that the engine has rotated normally is not input after the cranking state has been entered, the microcomputer 126 waits for a predetermined time and detects this state (the engine does not rotate normally). To do. Then, the microcomputer 126 outputs a control signal to the load switching unit 128 so that at least energization to the starter 135 is turned off, that is, the starter switch element 131 shown in FIG. 3 is turned off. In the present embodiment, the starter switch element 131 is turned off and the ACC switch element 129 is turned on to shift the power supply position to the IGN position.

  Thus, the energization from the battery 132 to the starter 135 is interrupted, and it is possible to prevent a state where power is wasted by continuously energizing the starter 135 in a state where it is considered that an abnormality has occurred in the engine 200 or the starter 135.

  The microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 has such a function.

  The push switch 127 is a push button that is operated when the driver of the automobile instructs to energize accessories, start and stop the engine, and the like. A signal indicating that the push switch 127 has been pressed is output to the microcomputer 126 of the power position controller 123. The driver can perform the same operation as the conventional one by simply depressing the push switch 127 instead of the operation of rotating the ignition switch using the conventional key.

  The load switching unit 128 is a switching unit that switches a load connected to the battery 132 in accordance with control from the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123.

  The internal configuration of the load switching unit 128 is shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the load switching unit 128 includes an ACC switch element 129, an IGN switch element 130, and a starter switch element 131.

  The ACC switch element 129 is a switch for switching on / off (disconnected state) between the battery 132 and the ACC position load 133, and the IGN switch element 130 is a connection between the battery 132 and the IGN position load 134. The starter switch element 131 is a switch for switching on / off the connection between the battery 132 and the starter 135.

  A control signal for switching on / off of each switch element is input from the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 to the load switching unit 128 having such a configuration, and the switch elements 129 to 131 of the load switching unit 128 are The on / off state is sequentially switched based on the control signal. As a result, the power supply position transitions in order as shown in FIG.

  The battery 132 is a battery that supplies power to the ACC position load 133, the IGN position load 134, and the starter 135.

  The ACC position load 133 is a so-called accessory power supply load. As shown in FIG. 2, the power is supplied from the battery 132 when the power supply position is the ACC position and the IGN position.

  The IGN position load 134 is a so-called ignition system power load, and as shown in FIG. 2, the power is supplied from the battery 132 when the power position is the ING position and the starter position.

  The starter 135 is a starting device that starts the engine using the battery 132 as a power source.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the starter 135 includes a magnet switch 136, a pull-in coil 137, a holding coil 138, and a motor 139. The starter 135 includes a pinion, a pinion gear, a ring gear, an overrunning clutch, and the like (not shown) as a mechanism for mechanically connecting the motor 139 and the engine 200.

  When the starter switch element 131 is turned on in the load switching unit 128 and the battery 132 is connected to the starter 135, the current from the battery 132 is supplied to the pull-in coil 137 and the holding coil 138.

  When a current flows through the pull-in coil 137, the magnet switch 136 is turned on to directly connect the battery 132 and the motor 139. Thereafter, a large current is supplied from the battery 132 to the motor 139, and the motor 139 starts rotating.

  Further, for example, a pinion (not shown) is pushed in the direction of the engine 200 by a magnetic force generated by current flowing through the pull-in coil 137 and the holding coil 138, and the pinion gear meshes with a ring gear provided around the flywheel, etc. 139 and engine 200 are mechanically coupled.

  Thereby, rotation of motor 139 is transmitted to engine 200, and engine 200 is started.

  Note that when the engine 200 is started and the rotation of the motor 139 is excessive, an overrunning clutch (not shown) is operated to prevent the motor 139 from excessively rotating.

  In addition, since the holding coil 138 is structurally grounded, a current always flows when the power supply position is in the starter position, and the magnetic force generated there acts in one fixed direction. On the other hand, since the voltage across the pull-in coil 137 has the same potential after the magnet switch 136 is turned on, the flowing current becomes zero. Therefore, after the starter 135 is operated, the current supplied through the load switching unit 128 flows only in the holding coil 138.

  The crank angle sensor 141 is a sensor that detects a rotation angle of a crankshaft (not shown). A signal indicating the crank angle detected by the crank angle sensor 141 is input to an engine control unit (not shown) and used for controlling the ignition timing of the engine 200.

A signal indicating the crank angle detected by the crank angle sensor 141 is input to the engine state detection unit 143 as a signal for detecting whether or not the engine 200 has shifted to the cranking state. Immediately after the engine 200 is normally started, the engine 200 is in a cranking state, and the crank angle sensor 141 outputs a low-frequency pulse signal _SCN as shown in FIG. Therefore, by detecting this signal, it can be detected that the engine 200 is in the cranking state.

  Alternator 142 is a generator driven by the rotation of engine 200. The electric power generated by the alternator 142 is rectified by a rectifying element such as a diode and then charged to the battery 132.

  The output voltage from the alternator 142 is input to the engine state detection unit 143 as a signal indicating the rotation state of the engine 200. When the engine 200 is normally started, the alternator 142 is also rotated to output a voltage higher than a certain level. Therefore, by observing the output voltage of the alternator 142, it is possible to detect whether or not the engine 200 is appropriately rotating at a certain rotational speed or higher.

  The engine state detection unit 143 detects the state of the engine 200 based on the outputs of the crank angle sensor 141 and the alternator 142 and outputs a signal indicating the detected state of the engine 200 to the microcomputer 126.

Based on the crank angle detection signal input from the crank angle sensor 141, the engine state detection unit 143 detects whether or not the engine 200 is in a cranking state. A signal to that effect is output to the microcomputer 126 of the power position controller 123. When the output signal from the crank angle sensor 141 becomes a low-frequency pulse signal such as a signal _SCN shown in FIG. 6B, the engine state detection unit 143 determines that the engine 200 is in the cranking state. It is determined that it has become.

  Further, the engine state detection unit 143 detects whether or not the engine 200 is in a normal rotation state based on the voltage value of the generated power in the alternator 142 output from the alternator 142, and the engine 200 rotates normally. If it is detected, a signal to that effect is output to the microcomputer 126 of the power position controller 123. The engine state detection unit 143 determines that the engine 200 has entered a normal rotation state when the voltage value of the output voltage from the alternator 142 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, the engine state detection unit 143 changes the state from the engine stop state to the cranking state and the engine rotation state in order when there is no failure in the starter 135 and the engine 200. A simple signal _ES1 is generated and output to the microcomputer 126 of the power position control unit 123.

On the other hand, when there is a failure in the starter 135, the signal _ES2 that always remains in the engine stopped state is output to the microcomputer 126 of the power position control unit 123.

  Next, the operation of the engine start control device 100 having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the engine start control device 100.

  First, a driver who is a user carries the portable device 110 and gets into a vehicle including the vehicle-side device 120 and presses the push switch 127. As a result, a signal to that effect is input from the push switch 127 to the microcomputer 126 of the power position controller 123, and the microcomputer 126 detects this (step S11).

  The microcomputer 126 requests ID information from the portable device 110 in order to confirm that the portable device 110 carried by the driver is a portable device registered in the automobile. That is, the microcomputer 126 transmits a request signal for ID information to the portable device 110 via the transmission circuit 124 and the transmission antenna 121 (step S12).

  The transmitted ID information request signal is received by the receiving antenna 111 of the portable device 110 and input to the microcomputer 113 via the receiving circuit 112. In response to the ID request signal, the microcomputer 113 of the portable device 110 transmits the ID information of the portable device 110 to the vehicle-side device 120 via the transmission circuit 114 and the transmission antenna 115.

  The microcomputer 126 of the vehicle-side device 120 waits for the return data including the ID information from the portable device 110 to be received, receives the signal including the transmitted ID information with the receiving antenna 122, and the power supply position control unit The data is input to the microcomputer 126 via the reception circuit 125 (step S13).

  The microcomputer 126 recognizes the input ID and checks whether or not it matches the ID for this vehicle registered in advance (step S14).

  When the input ID matches the registered ID (step S14), the power supply position control unit 123 connects the battery 132 and the ACC position load 133 to the load switching unit 128, that is, A control signal is output so that the power supply position is set to the ACC position. As a result, power from the battery 132 is supplied to the ACC position load 133 (step S15).

  When the push switch 127 is pressed again (step S16), the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 connects the battery 132, the ACC position load 133, and the IGN position load 134 to the load switching unit 128, that is, the power supply. A control signal is output so that the position is set to the IGN position. As a result, the load switching unit 128 switches the power supply position to the IGN position, and the power from the battery 132 is supplied to the ACC position load 133 and the IGN position load 134 (step S17).

  Next, when the push switch 127 is pressed (step S18), the power supply position control unit 123 connects the battery 132, the IGN position load 134, and the starter 135 to the load switching unit 128, and the battery 132, the ACC position load 133, The control signal is output so that the connection is disconnected, that is, the power supply position is set to the starter position. As a result, the supply of power from the battery 132 to the ACC position load 133 is stopped, and the power from the battery 132 is supplied to the IGN position load 134 and the starter 135 (step S19).

  When the starter position is reached, in the starter 135 connected to the battery 132, the current applied via the load switching unit 128 is passed through the pull-in coil 137 and the holding coil 138. When a current flows through the pull-in coil 137, the magnet switch 136 is energized and turned on, and the battery 132 and the motor 139 of the starter 135 are directly connected. As a result, the motor 139 starts to rotate due to a large current directly supplied from the battery 132 to the motor 139.

  Further, when a current flows through the pull-in coil 137, a pinion (not shown) is pushed in the direction of the engine 200, the pinion gear meshes with a ring gear provided around the flywheel, and the motor 139 and the engine 200 are mechanically engaged. Connected.

  Thereby, rotation of motor 139 is transmitted to engine 200, and engine 200 is started.

When the engine 200 is started, the cranking state is immediately entered. The cranking state is a low-speed rotation state immediately after the motor 139 starts rotating as described above, and the crank angle sensor 141 that detects the crank angle of the engine 200 receives the signal S _CN shown in FIG. A low-frequency pulse signal such as

  When such an output signal from the crank angle sensor 141 is input to the engine state detection unit 143, the engine state detection unit 143 determines that the crank state has been entered, and outputs a signal to that effect to the microcomputer 126. (Step S20).

After the magnet switch 136 is turned on, the potentials at both ends of the pull-in coil 137 are the same, and the current flowing through the pull-in coil 137 becomes zero. Therefore, the current applied to the starter 135 only flows to the holding coil 138. As a result, the current applied to the starter 135, for example, FIG. 6 (A) to follow a trajectory such as current I _N indicative, less than the previous current value I _max becomes cranking state.

  When engine 200 is properly started and shifts from the cranking state to the normal rotation state, the output voltage of alternator 142 also increases. When the preset threshold value is exceeded, the engine state detection unit 143 determines that the engine 200 has rotated normally, and outputs a signal to that effect to the microcomputer 126 (step S21).

  When a signal indicating that the engine 200 has rotated normally is input, the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 connects the battery 132, the ACC position load 133, and the IGN position load 134 to the load switching unit 128. And the starter 135 are disconnected from each other, that is, a control signal is output so that the power supply position is set to the IGN position. As a result, the supply of power from the battery 132 to the starter 135 is stopped, and power from the battery 132 is supplied to the ACC position load 133 and the IGN position load 134 (step S23).

  Thus, the start of the engine 200 is completed.

On the other hand, for example, when the magnet switch 136 has a contact failure, the current supplied from the battery 132 continues to flow through the pull-in coil 137 and the holding coil 138 in the starter 135. Therefore, the current that flows through the starter 135 is larger than the current that flows through the starter 135 when the period appropriately shifts to the cranking period as described above. Specifically, like the current _IE shown in FIG. 6A, the current value I _max immediately after the power supply to the pull-in coil 137 is started is maintained for a long period of time.

In such a state, the crank angle sensor 141 does not output the low-frequency pulse signal _SCN shown in FIG. 6B, and the no-signal state _SCE as shown in FIG. 6B continues. The engine state detection unit 143 detects that the signal _SCE continues, determines that the engine 200 is not in the cranking state, and outputs a signal to that effect to the microcomputer 126 of the power position control unit 123. (Step S20).

  The microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 determines that the starter 135 has failed when the engine 200 does not enter the cranking state even though the starter switch element 131 of the load switching unit 128 is turned on. The connection between the battery 132 and the starter 135 is disconnected at the load switching unit 128 and the battery 132 is connected to the ACC position load 133 and the IGN position load 134, that is, the power supply position is set to the IGN position. Output a control signal. As a result, the supply of power from the battery 132 to the starter 135 is stopped, and power from the battery 132 is supplied to the ACC position load 133 and the IGN position load 134 (step S23).

  Further, when the engine 126 shifts to the cranking state but the signal indicating that the engine 200 has shifted to normal rotation is not obtained thereafter, that is, when the output voltage of the alternator 142 does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the microcomputer 126 Even if the time has elapsed, the signal indicating that the engine has rotated normally is not input from the engine state detection unit 143, and this is detected (step S22). The microcomputer 126 determines that the engine 200 or the starter 135 is abnormal, disconnects the connection between the battery 132 and the starter 135 in the load switching unit 128, and disconnects the battery 132, the ACC position load 133, and the IGN position load 134. Are connected, that is, the control signal is output so that the power supply position is set to the IGN position. As a result, the supply of power from the battery 132 to the starter 135 is stopped, and power from the battery 132 is supplied to the ACC position load 133 and the IGN position load 134 (step S23).

  As described above, in the engine start control device 100 of the present embodiment, it is detected from the output signal of the crank angle sensor 141 whether or not the engine 200 is in the cranking state, and the engine 200 is in the cranking state after shifting to the starter position. If not, the power supply to the starter 135 is stopped because the starter 135 is abnormal. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a state where power is continuously supplied from the battery 132 to the starter 135 without starting the engine 200, and as a result, the power charged in the battery 132 is wasted.

  In addition, the electronic element that supplies power to the motor 139 can limit the time during which a large voltage is applied or a large current flows, so that the rating of the element can be changed to a low-capacity engine. The cost of the start control device can be reduced.

  In addition, since a small element can be used, the configuration can be simplified and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

  Further, in engine start control device 100, the transition of the cranking state of engine 200 and the start of normal rotation are determined based on the output of crank angle sensor 141 and the output voltage of alternator 142. Accordingly, it is possible to detect a rotation state of the engine 200 and detect a failure without providing a new detection circuit.

Second Embodiment An engine start control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In addition to the configuration of the engine start control device 100 of the first embodiment described above, the engine start control device 100b of the second embodiment includes a starter from the battery 132 between the load switching unit 128 and the starter 135. Further, a starter control unit 150 for turning on / off the power supply to 135 is further provided.

  Since the starter control unit 150 is provided, the operation of the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 is slightly different from that of the first embodiment, but other configurations are the engine start control of the first embodiment described above. It is the same as the device 100.

  Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  In the engine start control device 100b shown in FIG. 7, the starter control unit 150 is provided between the load switching unit 128 and the starter 135.

  The starter control unit 150 includes a microcomputer 151 and a second starter switch element 152.

  The microcomputer 151 controls on / off of the second starter switch element 152 based on a control signal from the microcomputer 126 of the power position controller 123 and a signal indicating the state of the engine 200 from the engine state detector 143. .

  The second starter switch element 152 is a switch element that controls on / off of the power supply line from the load switching unit 128 to the starter 135.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the starter switch element 131 that controls energization between the battery 132 and the starter 135 is already provided in the load switching unit 128. Therefore, the starter switch element 131 in the battery 132 and the second starter switch element 152 of the starter control unit 150 are arranged in series on a power supply line that connects the battery 132 and the starter 135. . Accordingly, power is supplied from the battery 132 to the starter 135 only when both of these are turned on.

  Hereinafter, the starter switch element 131 disposed in the load switching unit 128 is referred to as a first starter switch element corresponding to the second starter switch element 152 of the starter control unit 150.

  Processing in the microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150 will be described in detail.

  First, the microcomputer 151 turns on the second starter switch element 152 from the microcomputer 126 of the power position control unit 123 when the power switch is in the IGN position and the push switch 127 is further pressed to shift to the starter position. A control signal instructing switching to the state is input. The microcomputer 151 switches the second starter switch element 152 to the on state in accordance with this control signal. If the second starter switch element 152 is switched to the on state but the first starter switch element of the load switching unit 128 is still in the off state, the IGN position is assumed.

  Thereafter, the first starter switch element of the load switching unit 128 is also turned on to enter the starter position, and energization of the starter 135 is started.

  After shifting to the starter position and starting the engine 200, the microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150 uniquely determines the first based on the signal indicating the state of the engine 200 input from the engine state detection unit 143. 2 starter switch elements 152 are controlled. That is, it switches to an OFF state.

  When the engine 200 is normally started, a signal indicating that the engine 200 is in a cranking state and a signal indicating that the engine 200 has rotated normally are sequentially input from the engine state detection unit 143 to the microcomputer 151. Is done. The microcomputer 151 switches the second starter switch element 152 off when a predetermined time has elapsed after the signal indicating that the engine 200 has rotated normally is input from the engine state detection unit 143.

  During this predetermined time, the same signal from the engine state detector 143 is input to the microcomputer 126 of the power position controller 123, and the load switch 128 is switched so that the microcomputer 126 changes the power position from the starter position to the IGN position. This is a sufficient time for outputting the signal and actually switching the first starter switch element 131 of the load switching unit 128 to the OFF state. That is, the second starter switch element 152 is disconnected after the first starter switch element (starter switch element 131 (FIG. 3)) of the load switching unit 128 arranged in series is disconnected. The microcomputer 151 switches the second starter switch element 152 after waiting for a predetermined time.

  Further, when the signal indicating that the engine 200 is in the cranking state is not input from the engine state detection unit 143 to the microcomputer 151, the microcomputer 151 waits for a predetermined time and detects this state (a state in which the engine 200 is not in the cranking state). To do. Then, the microcomputer 151 turns off the second starter switch element 152 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  During this predetermined time, the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 similarly detects a state in which the power supply position control unit 123 is not in the cranking state, and turns off the first starter switch element with respect to the load switching unit 128 and at the same time It is a time sufficient to switch the power source position to the IGN position by turning on 129 and actually switch the switch element in the load switching unit 128.

  If the engine has rotated normally but no signal indicating that the engine has rotated normally is not input, the microcomputer 151 waits for a predetermined time and detects this state (the engine does not rotate normally). To do. Then, the microcomputer 151 turns off the second starter switch element 152 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  During this predetermined time, the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 similarly detects a state in which the normal rotation state does not occur, and turns off the first starter switch element for the load switching unit 128 and switches the ACC. It is a time sufficient to switch on the element 129 and output a control signal for shifting the power supply position to the IGN position and actually switch the switch element in the load switching unit 128.

  Further, the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 of the engine start control device 100b first turns on the microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150 when the power supply position is in the starter position and energizes the battery 132 and the starter 135. A control signal for turning on the starter switch element 152 is output.

  As a result, the microcomputer 151 controls the second starter switch element 152, and the second starter switch element 152 is turned on.

  After that, the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 causes the load switching unit 128 to energize the battery 132 and the starter 135, that is, the first starter switching element (see FIG. 3) in the load switching unit 128. A control signal is output to turn on the shown starter switch element 131).

  As a result of such two-stage switching, the battery 132 and the starter 135 are electrically connected, and power is supplied from the battery 132 to the starter 135.

  The operations of the microcomputer 126 and the starter control unit 150 of the power supply position control unit 123 when the engine 200 is started in the engine start control device 100b having such a configuration will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. .

  The processing from step S11 to step S18 is the same as the processing in the engine start control device 100 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.

  When the power switch is in the IGN position and the push switch 127 is pressed next (step S18), the power position controller 123 turns on the second starter switch element 152 to the microcomputer 151 of the starter controller 150. A signal requesting to be output is output (step S191).

  The microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150 turns on the second starter switch element 152 in response to a request from the microcomputer 126 (step S192). At this time, the power supply position is still the IGN position.

  Next, the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 controls the load switching unit 128 to connect the battery 132, the IGN position load 134, and the starter 135, and disconnect the connection between the battery 132 and the ACC position load 133. Output a signal. As a result, the supply of power from the battery 132 to the ACC position load 133 is stopped, and the power from the battery 132 is supplied to the IGN position load 134 and the starter 135 (step S193). At this point, the power supply position becomes the starter position.

  After reaching the starter position, the pull-in coil 137 and the holding coil 138 of the starter 135 are energized and the magnet switch 136 is turned on, as in the engine start control device 100 of the first embodiment described above. 132 and the motor 139 of the starter 135 are directly connected, and the motor 139 starts rotating. Further, the motor 139 and the engine 200 are mechanically coupled, the rotation of the motor 139 is transmitted to the engine 200, and the engine 200 is started.

  As engine 200 is started, cranking is detected based on the output signal from crank angle sensor 141 (step S20 (FIG. 9)), and engine 200 based on the output voltage from alternator 142 is shifted to normal rotation. This determination (step S21) or the detection that the engine 200 has not shifted to normal rotation (step S22) is also performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

  When the engine does not shift to the cranking state (step S20) or when the engine 200 is confirmed to start (steps S21 and S22), the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 first sends the load switching unit 128 to the load switching unit 128. The control signal is output so that the battery 132 is connected to the ACC position load 133 and the IGN position load 134 and the connection between the battery 132 and the starter 135 is disconnected, that is, the power supply position is set to the IGN position. As a result, the power supply from the battery 132 to the starter 135 is stopped, and the power from the battery 132 is supplied to the ACC position load 133 and the IGN position load 134 (step S231).

  In these states, that is, when the engine does not shift to the cranking state (step S20) and when the start of the engine 200 is confirmed (steps S21 and S22), the microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150 also includes the power position control unit 123. Detection is performed in the same manner as the microcomputer 126.

  Accordingly, in the microcomputer 151, the operation of the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 switches the switch element in the load switching unit 128 as described above, and waits for the power supply position to shift to the IGN position. The starter switch element 152 of No. 2 is disconnected (step S232).

  This completes a series of processes related to starting the engine 200.

  According to the engine start control device 100b of the second embodiment having such a configuration and operation, the first starter switch element (starter switch) in the load switching unit 128 is provided between the battery 132 and the starter 135. Two switch elements, the element 131 (FIG. 3)) and the second starter switch element 152 of the starter controller 150, are arranged. Further, at least switching of each switch element from the on state to the off state is independently controlled by separate microcomputers, that is, the microcomputer 126 of the power position controller 123 and the microcomputer 151 of the starter controller 150.

  Therefore, even if the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 runs away and the first starter switch element of the load switching unit 128 cannot be switched off, the microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150 uses the second starter switch element. The switch element 152 can be turned off, and the connection between the battery 132 and the starter 135 can be disconnected. Conversely, even if the microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150 runs out of control and the second starter switch element 152 cannot be switched off, the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 uses the first starter for 128. The switch element can be turned off to disconnect the battery 132 from the starter 135.

  Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the ON state as a failure mode of the electronic element, the power supply to the starter 135 can be stopped, and a state where the starter motor 139 keeps rotating can be avoided.

Third Embodiment An engine start control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The engine start control device 100c according to the third embodiment is a signal between the engine state detection unit 143, the starter control unit 150, and the power position control unit 123 in the engine start control device 100b according to the second embodiment described above. Is transmitted by a bus.

  The configuration of such an engine start control device 100c is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the engine start control device 100 c, the engine state detection unit 143, the microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150, and the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 are connected by a bus 160. Then, the transmission of a control signal for switching on the second starter switch element 152 from the microcomputer 126 of the power supply position control unit 123 to the microcomputer 151 of the starter control unit 150 via the bus 160, an engine state detection unit 143 A signal indicating the state of the engine 200 is transmitted to the microcomputer 126 and the microcomputer 151.

  The data transmission method, control method, etc. of the bus 160 may be any method.

  The functions and operations of the respective components of the engine start control device 100c and the functions and operations of the engine start control device 100c as a whole are exactly the same as those of the engine start control device 100b of the second embodiment described above, and thus description thereof is omitted. To do.

  By configuring the engine start control device in this way, the power supply position control unit 123, the engine state detection unit 143, and the starter control unit 150 can share information on detection results and control states. Therefore, the parts can be linked more efficiently to control the engine start control device 100c. Further, the number of wirings can be reduced, and the device configuration can be simplified.

  In addition, this Embodiment was described in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention at all. Each element disclosed in the present embodiment includes all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention, and various suitable modifications are possible.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the engine start control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the type and transition state of the power supply position, and the switching state of the switch element inside the load switching unit in each state. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the load switching unit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a first flowchart showing a process flow of the engine start control device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a second flowchart showing the flow of processing of the engine start control device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining signals of respective parts of the engine start control device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the engine start control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a first flowchart showing a flow of processing of the engine start control device shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a second flowchart showing a process flow of the engine start control device shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the engine start control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Engine start control apparatus 110 ... Portable apparatus 111 ... Reception antenna 112 ... Reception circuit 113 ... Microcomputer 114 ... Transmission circuit 115 ... Transmission antenna 120 ... Vehicle side apparatus 121 ... Transmission antenna 122 ... Reception antenna 123 ... Power supply position control part
124 ... Transmission circuit 125 ... Reception circuit
126 ... Microcomputer 127 ... Push switch 128 ... Load switching part
129 ... Switch element for ACC 130 ... Switch element for IGN
131 ... Starter switch element (first starter switch element)
132 ... Battery 133 ... ACC position load 134 ... IGN position load 135 ... Starter
136: Magnet switch 137: Pull-in coil
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 138 ... Holding coil 139 ... Motor 141 ... Crank angle sensor 142 ... Alternator 143 ... Engine state detection part 150 ... Starter control part
151 ... Microcomputer 152 ... Switch element for second starter 160 ... Bus 200 ... Engine

Claims (5)

A switch for turning on / off the power supply to the starter motor of the engine;
A crank angle sensor for detecting a crank angle of the engine;
Engine state detection means for detecting whether or not the engine is in a cranking state based on a detection result of the crank angle in the crank angle sensor;
The switch is controlled to start supply of power to the starter motor as required, and supply of the power to the starter motor is started based on the detection result of the engine state in the engine state detection means. And a switch control means for controlling the switch to stop power supply to the sooter motor when the engine does not shift to the cranking state within a predetermined time. An alternator that generates electric power by rotating the engine;
The engine state detection means determines that the engine is rotating normally when the output voltage of the alternator becomes a predetermined value or more,
The switch control means controls the switch so as to stop power supply to the starter motor when the engine does not shift to a normal rotation state within a predetermined time after the engine shifts to the cranking state. Item 4. The engine start control device according to Item 1. A plurality of the switches are provided in series in a power line connecting the battery and the starter motor,
The engine start control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of independent switch control means are provided corresponding to the plurality of switches. The engine state detection means and the plurality of switch control means are each connected by a bus,
The plurality of switch control means each independently control the corresponding switch based on information indicating the state of the engine input from the engine state detection means via the bus. Engine start control device. Start supplying power to the engine starter motor,
Detects the crank angle of the engine,
Detecting whether the engine is in a cranking state based on the detected crank angle;
An engine start control method for stopping power supply to the starter motor when the engine does not shift to a cranking state within a predetermined time after starting the supply of power to the starter motor.

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